1. Ride Off Into The Sunset
Get the wind in your air and the sun on your face on the more than 30 miles of bike trails in
Folsom, the end destination of the American River Bike Trail. Everyone from beginner to expert can get out and pedal.
2. The Bridges Of Sacramento County
Architecture nerds rejoice-Folsom is the perfect spot to marvel at some truly beautiful bridges, whether you're looking for somewhere to walk, bike or even practice your artsy photography skills. Folsom Lake Crossing has gorgeous views of Folsom and the surrounding area.
3. All Of Folsom's A Stage
Harris Center/Three Stages Theater at Folsom Lake College puts on a variety of performances every year from Swan Lake to Pink Floyd. Anyone who wants to try their hand at acting, dancing, or learning a new instrument can pick up some new skills at the classes and workshops.
4. But They Don't Stop At Pink Floyd
Who would have expected a symphony in Folsom? Well it's been here since 2004 and the beautiful music is not to be missed by kids and adults of all ages.
5. Take A Walk Down Memory Lane
Go back in time at the Folsom History Museum, where you can learn about the city's history and even visit a pioneer village where kids can pump water from a real old-fashioned well. The special exhibits like "Pioneer Jews of the Gold Rush" are fascinating as well.
6. Folsom Prison Blues
You'll be singing the blues for sure if you end up at the Folsom State Prison-yep, the same one from the famous Johnny Cash song. Fun fact (if there can be a fun fact about a prison?): This was the first maximum security prison in the country. If you listen hard you might hear the ghosts of prisoners long gone.
7. Do Not Pass Go, Do Not Collect $200
Source Wikimedia Swampyank
If you can avoid getting locked up in the big house, check out the Folsom Prison Museum for an in-depth look at the prison's history and what life was like inside.
8. Lions, Tigers And Bears, Oh My!
Go wild at the Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary with dozens of exotic animals including birds, bears and reptiles. Also check out the Art with Animals program where visitors can pick an animal and three paint colors, and watch their chosen artist create a masterpiece!
9. Get Your Kicks On Historic Sutter Street
With a number of specialty shops like Burlap and Bees and Melange, there's something for everyone on Sutter Street. Check out The Black Rooster for a scrumptious breakfast and Samuel Horne's Tavern for lunch or dinner.
10. Folsom Can't Help But Dance
The talented dancers at Stages Folsom and Ballet Folsom have been bringing fantastic performances to the city for many years Don't miss the awesome classic shows like "Swan Lake" and "The Nutcracker."
11. Go Live In Folsom
Every September Folsom turns into the best concert venue around with Folsom LIVE, featuring 15 awesome bands playing country, rock, blues and more on five stages around downtown for one night only. Throw in the happy hour and you've got the perfect night.
13. Dam, Folsom Dam
Designed to provide flood control and hydroelectricity (which was pretty rare back in the 1950s) the 340-foot Folsom Dam is truly a sight to behold. Most people don't know that several old towns near Folsom were actually flooded back when the lake was filled.
14. Ride The Rails
The Folsom Valley Railway is the only 12-inch gauge railroad left in the country, and operates year-round taking visitors back in time on the rails. It's especially awesome gussied up with lights during the holiday season.
15. Don't Let The Folsom Heat Get You Down
Looking to cool off during those hot summer days? The Folsom Aquatic Center offers pools, slides, water features and more from May through September.
16. Lunch By The Lake
If your ideal summer day is a bit more outdoorsy, Lake Natoma is the perfect place to kick back. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the serene nature, try the hiking and biking trails if you're feeling ambitious, or hook a fish for dinner.
17. Get Your Veggies Here!
Local farmers, artisans and more come out every Saturday to sell their arts, crafts, fresh fruits and veggies and flowers at the Historic Folsom Farmers Market. Let the kids pick the ingredients for dinner and they'll be sure to clean their plates.
18. Buckin' Broncos And Hunky Cowboys
Don't let the name fool you. The Folsom Pro Rodeo is so much more than the stereotype. There's motocross, live music, even a pageant! It's a must-do for any true Folsomite.
19. Get Powered Up In Folsom
You'll be electrified (see what I did there?) learning about how power was brought to the city at the Folsom Powerhouse State Historic Park-and the awesome parade that rolled through town to commemorate it with a 100-gun salute. They were really excited.
20. You Can Party At The Park
Your next family barbecue will be a smash hit at the John Kemp Community Park. There are play structures and water features for the kids, grassy areas for pets to run around, and of course, the perfect spot to get your grill on.
21. Take In An Art Show
Showcasing a range of works from paintings to sculpture to fiber arts, there's something for everyone at the Gallery at 48 Natoma. Voted #1 in art galleries in the 2012 Style Magazine Awards, it's a can't-miss for art lovers-and the free admission just sweetens the deal.
22. It's The Great Pumpkin, Folsom!
Put your pumpkin carving skills to the test and have some ghoulish Halloween fun at the Night of 1,000 Pumpkins, where the city rallies to light (you guessed it) 1,000 jack-o-lanterns up and down Historic Sutter Street. Bring the whole family for trick or treating, movies and a costume contest!
23. Go Medieval At The Renaissance Faire
Lords! Ladies! Take a trip back in history at the Folsom Renaissance Faire & Shakespeare Festival. With plays, jousting, food and more, the Ren Faire is an unforgettable weekend.
24. You Might Find Some Buried Treasure
You won't be disappointed at this fair either. Vendors line the streets at the annual Folsom Antique Peddlers' Fair, selling everything from cute collectibles to linens. There's also delicious food from local restaurants and plenty of great people-watching.
25. Christmas Spirit Is Mandatory In Folsom
Not really. But you'll find it in spades at the annual Folsom Christmas tree lighting ceremony. The tree is lit each year in the plaza near the ice rink, and there are carolers, train rides and even a visit from the big guy himself, all the way from the North Pole.
26. Last-Minute Shopping Is A Breeze
Once the holiday season hits, head down to Sutter Street the first weekend in December and find the perfect gift for everyone in one shot at the Christmas Arts and Crafts Fair. With artisans from Folsom,
Roseville and beyond, you might even find a little something for yourself.
27. Get Your Needlepoint On
Do you love to quilt, or looking to pick up a new hobby? Join the Folsom Quilt and Fiber Guild for a variety of workshops and programs. Quilters from beginning to advanced come together monthly to mingle, share quilting stories and of course, make more quilts.
